Cyprus, the Island of Aphrodite from above
Cyprus, the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by a diverse landscape shaped by mountains, plains, and an extensive coastline. Despite its semi-arid climate, the island supports a mosaic of ecosystems, including forested areas in the Troodos Mountains, agricultural lowlands, and coastal wetlands which provide important habitats for migratory birds and endemic species.
Cyprus is visible in this image acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 18 December 2025. The surrounding sea appears in deep blue tones, while vegetation is visible in shades of green, contrasting with drier brown and ochre areas of the central plains. The capital city, Nicosia, is visible near the centre of the island.
On 1 January 2026, Cyprus took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the first half of the year. Further information on the Presidency’s priorities is available on the dedicated webpage.
